Stalemate at Murch (From Penarth Times)

Stalemate at Murch

ON SATURDAY, Dinas Powys faced Bridgend Town in a difficult home Welsh League Division 2 encounter with a rejuvenated Bridgend looking for revenge after Dinas had won 3-0 away from home earlier in the season.

Dinas made a few changes with Nathan Hosgood injured and replaced by Spencer Lamb and Mike Mayer recalled after suspension.

There were few clear cut chances in the first half, although a Bridgend header went straight to Duncan Smith in the Dinas goal after just eight minutes.

Dinas had their first shot on 16 minutes when a 20-yarder from Danny Street was well stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.

Bridgend enjoyed the majority of the possession but were unable to convert it into good chances.

As the tackles got stronger, the Bridgend captain was booked and the referee did well to keep the game under control. The first half ended 0-0.

The second half started at a frenetic pace with both sides pressing hard.

Just ten minutes into the second half Spencer Lamb forced the first of three consecutive corners for Dinas, but they were unable to create a clear opportunity.

Any scoring chances were restricted to long range efforts, including a Geoff Poole free kick that struck the wall and a speculative 40-yard Mike Mayer effort that was off target.

Matthew Higginson was taken off injured and there was a plethora of substitutions by both sides with Lee Street and Paul Giles replacing Lee Vick and Spencer Lamb respectively.

Both sides continued to press forward but both defences stayed on top, though Dinas survived a late scare when a Ray John back header was scrambled away by Duncan Smith and Danny Street.

As the last few minutes ticked away, it was all too clear that a draw was a better result for Dinas than for Bridgend.

After a lengthy period of stoppage time, the referee ended the game.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, it had been an entertaining match where neither side deserved to lose, although the result was of more benefit to Dinas's promotion push than for Bridgend.

Dinas now face a series of away games as they look to clinch promotion.

Late news: Dinas strengthened their promotion chances immensely on Tuesday night with a hard-fought 3-2 away win against second-place Grange Quins at Leckwith Stadium under floodlights.

A full report of the match will be featured in next week's Times.